Ms. Elizabeth Lee, EVP of Universal Motors Corp. (UMC) and president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), lives, breathes and stands by the motto that “no man can become rich without himself enriching others.” Inspired by this principle that the only way to get ahead in life is to help others get ahead as well, this remarkable young executive and entrepreneur has certainly made her mark in the Philippine automotive industry.
UMC is the Philippine distributor of Nissan auto vehicles. CAMPI is composed of Philippine distributors of global auto manufacturers such as Nissan, Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Porsche, Subaru, Volvo and Suzuki among others.
As an MBA degree holder from the United States, Elizabeth previously worked for SGV-Arthur Andersen’s Business Consulting Group and Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group in California. She returned to Manila and then moved on to work for Universal Motors Corp . (UMC) to be its SVP in 1999. It was during this time that she was able to turn things around after the company’s sales slump due to the economic crisis then.
With Elizabeth at the helm of marketing, UMC’s sales drop was reversed by a significant 17 percent gain in revenues. The following year, she score a coup of sorts with a 55 percent jump in revenues and saw sales surge by 51 percent, a new record before sales stabilized in the following years. Elizabeth’s most remarkable feat happened in 2006, she boosted sales with her pioneering program dubbed “Ur Van, Ur Business (UV-UB)” where the van is used for number of ways - as service van for office employees, school van for students, delivery van for merchants, and rental van for any company, organization or family’s special events or out of town trips.
The program used the venerable Nissan Urvan as a vehicle for small and medium enterprises, under a self-liquidating, mobile business program linked to changing Filipinos’ lives by way of uplifting the poor through donations to a microfinance foundation that assists start-up micro-entrepreneurs. “The idea was to do something that’s never been done before. I wanted the result to benefit both our customers and the poor at the same time. The program is a first in the industry where a vehicle is directly tied to and committed to poverty alleviation.” Elizabeth says of her UV-UB program.
Being the first of its kind in the country, this program goes further than just selling consumers their vehicles. It offers easy payment terms, teaches buyers the elements of entrepreneurship via a free roving school called “Asenso Negosyo Academy” (“Business Prosperity Academy”) – another first in the country, and also, this program helps small and medium enterprises ensure their success. Since their conception, UV-UB has helped countless Filipinos reach their goals and even more to dream big again.
Elizabeth’s UV-UB program has such been a success, in fact, that not only have their competitors tried to copy it, Nissan Global has approached her to replicate the program in the other countries in which it operates. “Apart from gender, there is not much difference between a man and a woman especially since the bottom line is – it is the results that matter,” Elizabeth says. She also stressed the fact that for her, success is measured by one key thing – significance, making a difference in the world. “I’ve learned that extraordinary, remarkably successful people, both men and women alike, reached success by helping others,” she adds.
She also firmly believes that success knows no gender or age and to be able to make it big, one must stand out and never settle for the status quo. Elizabeth has always been told to believe in herself and to never settle for less than her full potential. Her role models include first - her grandfather Robert, who encouraged her to learn about business at a young age by supporting her ideas; second - Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both Nissan Global and Renault of France, who lives and shares wisdom of the principles of learning and passion in everything he does; and third but definitely not the least, her mother Helen. Elizabeth stresses that it was her mother’s encouragement that UV-UB was formulated, and for that she is eternally grateful.
To this day, Elizabeth continues to excel in her field and persists in the search for fresh, new ideas to not only make a profit for her company, but to make an invaluable change in the world. Elizabeth strongly believes “in all things, to do what is right.” It is the only way, she insists, that one can be a blessing to others and truly enjoy God’s blessing in return. Elizabeth also believes that, “everything is possible,” knowing that even if not everything happens right away and even if things aren’t easy, one can do anything they set their mind on doing.
“Aim high and don’t be afraid to fail. Just give it your best shot,” she adds. Finally, Elizabeth believes that everyone can make a difference. “No one can prevent you from choosing to be exceptional and most importantly, helping other succeed creates enduring success. Successful people seldom climb to the top, they are carried there.” What about her plan for the next 5 to 10 years? “To make the most positive impact,” Elizabeth said.
Driven by the spirit of giving back, the CAMPI she also headed has recently donated to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) part of the proceeds raised from last year’s highly successful motor show that drew some 60,000 visitors. The donation will be used to buy a vehicle for PGH’s mobile blood donation program that will travel around the metropolis to augment the state-run hospital’s supply of blood.
Acknowledgement:
NEGOSYO – 55 Joey Concepcion’s Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs
Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, Philippines 'pinoy stories– blog #7
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